June 6 marks the anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, when Allied forces began the liberation of Western Europe. It was arguably the most critical single day in America’s effort to help rid the world of Nazi tyranny. D-Day is remembered, too, as a pivotal moment in establishing America’s role as a world leader after World War II. But the personal connections to the day live on as well. Here are some recollections from people who played a part in making history that day, and facts about a moment in time we should never forget, along with some poignant letters home read by actor Bryan Cranston.
Pfc. Dominick "Dom" Bart recounts the horrific experience of war during the Omaha Beach invasion
Pfc. Jim “Pee Wee” Martin writes of his first taste of battle as a paratrooper in the D-Day invasion
Ensign Jay Kay describes his experience piloting a landing craft filled with U.S. troops
One sister recalls the price her family and Bedford, Va., paid on June 6, 1944
Robert Capa took the most famous photos, but is the story behind those pictures a myth?
D-Day by the Numbers
What They Said About D-Day